Speakers
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Professor Narinder Mehra
Vice President (international), Indian National Science Academy
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Professor Narinder Mehra is the Honorary Emeritus Scientist of ICMR and Former Dean (Res) and National Chair of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. After finishing his graduation from the Govt Medical College, Amritsar, he Joined AIIMS in 1969 to do Masters in Anatomy and then PhD. He joined the AIIMS Faculty in 1979, rose to become Sr Professor and then the Dean. He is an internationally acclaimed expert in the area of Transplant Immunology and Clinical Immunogenetics, for which his singular efforts culminated in establishing this specialty for the first time in India, thus facilitating solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants in the country. His research focus has been on defining biomarkers of disease susceptibility in infectious and autoimmune diseases, influence of HLA matching and alloantibodies on transplant injury, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine among others. He played an important role in preparing National guidelines for stem cell research in India. Prof Mehra has been the President of the Indian Immunology Society, councilor for the International Union of Immunological Societies, and founder Secretary-General of the Federation of Immunological Societies of Asia-Oceania. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (FNA), National Academy of Sciences (FAMS), National Academy of Medical Sciences (FNASc), Member Honoris Causa of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and ‘Fellow’ of The World Academy of Sciences (FTWAS). He served as chief Editor of ‘Frontiers in Immunology’ special issue on ‘Clinical relevance of antibodies in solid organ transplantation’. Professor Mehra has nearly 100 awards and academic honors to his credit. Some of the significant ones include S.S. Bhatnagar Award of the CSIR, Ranbaxy Science Foundation Award, O.P. Bhasin Science Foundation Award, Chief of the Army Staff Award, Tata Innovation Fellowship and Dr B.R. Ambedkar award of ICMR for excellence in Medical Research. In 2003, the French President, conferred on him the title of ‘Chevalier of the National Order of Merit’. He received the Khwarizmi International Award from the Iranian Research Organization on Science and Technology. He was a member of the international jury for the Else Kroner Fresenius International Award in Immunology.He has published more than 480 original research papers in leading international journals. His book ‘The HLA System in Medicine and Biology’ received high international acclaim. He has trained several young minds in the area of clinical Immunogenetics and Transplant Immunology.
Abstract
Abstract:Relationship between science and policy is a cornerstone of modern governance and internationalisation. Indeed, effective cooperation on a global scale has never been more imperative for our survival, but remains extraordinarily difficult within the atmosphere of distrust and archaic structures. Technology and innovation are at the forefront of the fair implementation of our shared goals which can be achieved through collaboration with scientific knowledge sharing, capacity building, mentorship and interdisciplinary cooperation. Indeed the world today is facing growing divides and polycrisis, and we as scientists have a crucial role to play. One possible future for universal policy making is a model driven by societal challenges, where scientific research is closely aligned with addressing pressing issues such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development. Critical role of climate change and environment in the development, transmission and spread of antimicrobial resistance needs to be better understood. Climate risks are appearing faster and will become more severe sooner than previously expected and it will be harder to adapt with increased global heating. Indeed we are soon entering the era of climate change medicine with challenges to health care systems involving not only the heat related and air quality impacts, but also mental health, possible increase in zoonoses, food and water related illnesses with particular impact on vulnerable populations. In this scenario, the role of citizens in shaping scientific research and policy decisions is greatly expanded, reflecting a deep commitment to democratic governance and social equity. It is important to envision a science policy landscape where citizens are not just passive recipients of scientific knowledge but active contributors to the research agenda. This could be achieved through mechanisms such as citizen science projects, public consultations, and deliberative forums. The idea is to seek harmony between humanity and nature, reflecting a commitment to holistic well-being.